Sculpture by Edgar Mansfield (British/New Zealand)

Edgar Mansfield (1907-1996) was a New Zealand-born British sculptor and bookbinder, who has been described as the "main inspiration behind modern British bookbinding".

Mansfield was born in London in 1907, but his family emigrated to New Zealand when he was young. He studied art at the King Edward Technical College in Dunedin, and then taught art for four years before returning to London in 1934 to continue his studies.

Mansfield began his career as a sculptor, but he soon turned to bookbinding. He was inspired by the work of the Arts and Crafts movement, but he developed his own unique style, which was characterized by its use of bold colors, abstract designs, and innovative materials.

Mansfield quickly established himself as one of the leading bookbinders in Britain. He bound books for many famous collectors and institutions, including the British Library, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Library more... of Congress.

In addition to his work as a bookbinder, Mansfield also continued to sculpt. He created a number of public sculptures, including a war memorial in Hastings, New Zealand, and a fountain in the town of Bearsted, Kent.

Mansfield was a highly respected figure in the world of art and design. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal British Society of Sculptors in 1980, and he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1979. He died in 1996 at the age of 89. less...